I am in the process of building a new PC for my image processing. I was going to start out with an Asus P6T SE motherboard, Intel Core i7 20 Nehalem 2.66GHz processor, (2) WD VelociRaptor 150 GB 10000 RPM hard drives (one for software and one for scratch disc), 3 WD Caviar Black 1 TB 7200 RPM hard drives, MSI N8400GS-TD512 Geforce 8400 PCI Express 2.0 x 16 Video Card, Corsair 12 GB (6 x 2 GB) DDR3 1333 memory. I want to go 64 bit and was wondering what OS I sould use? When Windows 7 comes out, I plan on using it over Vista.

David--Sounds like an awesome system!

For 64 bit I think the only realistic choice is Vista 64. As to specific version of Vista I've really only used Ultimate. The only issue with messing with 7 early is that it is currently time-bombed and will eventually require a complete re-install.

Not sure whether there is/willbe a free upgrade from it to windows 7 but maybe some systems companies are offering something like that since 7 has been announced.

On video one thing I did on my latest build was put 2 video cards in, since I like two monitors and with two cards there are plenty of accelerated outputs and video ram to make both of them work well. Not necessary but if you have the slots & use 2 monitors I've found my system with 2 video cards more flexible and trouble-free (surprisingly) than the other ones I've built with a single dual-headed card. Just careful of how many PCI-E slots you have! If you use the right MB & cards they can also magically bond for additional acceleration but I'm not sure whether that is actually helpful except for games & 3d.

--David

I don't play games and I don't do 3D. I have never used Vista. I have been using Win XP Pro with SP3. I use XP in "classic" mode. Is there a way to turn off all the gunk that is in Vista?

David--First, XP 64-bit is widely viewed to be very unstable as well as being short on support & drivers, so to get >4GB & your 64-bit processor you really don't have much of a good option other than Vista.

That said, with work you can shift Vista around to be more like XP and your system will have plenty of horsepower to run it at least. Knowing you a little bit I doubt you'll actually like it:-), but like I said, XP 64 is really not a good way to go at this point so other than waiting for Windows 7 I think you're short on options.

FWIW, in many ways I think Vista is an improvement over XP. My main 2 desktops are Vista & XP and they sit next to each other and I use both all day when I'm in the office. Each has its attractions but if I'd never gotten used to XP I think overall I'd pick Vista if I had to decide which one to use exclusively.

--David

My Vista 64 bit system with an i7 processor, for my image processing, is stable and I can run any application I have tried, with the exception of Nikon Scan, and I found a workaround for it that works.

John--Good to hear. I realized from re-reading the posts that I need to make clear it is XP 64-bit that has the issues. Vista 64-bit is a totally different beast. The XP version of 64-bit was a partial effort to get support for some AMD CPUs, etc. while Vista 64-bit is a full-fledged OS.

The only real knock I've ever heard on the 64-bit version of Vista (aside from whatever Vista gripes) is that not all devices (especially older ones) have drivers and not all apps run 100% (Nikon's didn't at first, but I think they do now except for Nikon Scan as you've pointed out).

--David

I am running Windows XP Pro 32 bit on my Pentium 4 system. I never thought about using Win XP 64 bit because of issues with drivers, etc. I just wasn't sure which Vista 64 bit I should use until Windows 7 becomes available. I might just skip Vista 64 and use Win 7 RC now. New Egg sent me an e-mail about my componets being shipped and will be here tomorrow.

David--Okay, I wasn't sure which options you were considering. If you don't mind keeping careful track of what you install since you'll have to re-install later, then since it is a new machine without anything to lose I might be tempted to do what you suggest and install windows 7.

Then in late 2009 / early 2010 you can "start over" with the final version. From what I've read they've addressed many of the issues (too much UAC, etc.) that bugged XP users about Vista.

I've been tempted to try it but spend too much of my time installing software already so I just didn't want to have to re-install later.--David

Nikon, as of my last conversation, will not acknowledge that NX view, Transfer or Capture Nx2 will work on a 64 bit system. It seems to, just fine, but Nikon still will not offer support help for a 64bit use. NX2, however, has a problem with the Wacom tablet pen. The mouse works OK.

The work around for Scan is something I came up with.

Geez, amazing that they aren't on the ball with 64-bit since that is really the sweet spot for anyone doing serious image processing, at least if they are investing in a new or newish system.--David